Kon Knueppel's play-in implosion may have just gifted Cooper Flagg Rookie of the Year

Despite 51-point and 45-point performances in the final weeks of the regular season, many are still doubting Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg should be the Rookie of the Year. However, following two absolute duds in the Play-In Tournament from Flagg's rival for the award, Kon Knueppel, Flagg should undoubtedly be selected for the honor.

Play-in games are not technically supposed to be weighed in voters' minds regarding end-of-season awards, but with the voting for these awards occurring simultaneously with the Play-In Tournament, it can undoubtedly leave a psychological impact on voters. Knueppel didn't do himself any favors in this department, as he went 2-12 from the field with six points in the Charlotte Hornets' win over the Miami Heat in their first play-in game.

Knueppel's two play-in duds should seal Flagg's ROTY case

He followed this up with 11 points on 3-10 shooting from the field in a blowout loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night, which officially eliminated the Hornets from making the playoffs. Knueppel shot a combined 1-12 from 3-point land in these two contests, and while they aren't supposed to count toward awards as aforementioned, he left a terrible impression on voters right after ballots were sent out, and folded when the lights were the brightest.

This isn't to say he won't be a great NBA player for a long time, but this should put the nail in the coffin in terms of him having a case over Flagg for Rookie of the Year. The roster Flagg was on may not have allowed him to reach the play-in, but his overall impact on the game is far greater compared to Knueppel, and he's shown up countless times when the lights were bright in nationally televised contests.

One of the main arguments Knueppel truthers have made for his Rookie of the Year case was the fact he elevated the Hornets to the playoff race, and while Charlotte finished with their best record in quite some time at 44-38, they ultimately didn't even make the playoffs, which was in part due to Knueppel's inefficiency in a win-or-go-home game versus Orlando.

Knueppel's win-shares argument falls apart with CHA missing playoffs

Outside of 3-point shooting, Knueppel doesn't have the hedge on Flagg in any area of the game. He's not a better defender, not a better rebounder, not a better playmaker, nor is he better in the in-between game or attacking the rim. Flagg has put together far more prolific performances in single games than Knueppel has even gotten close to, as Flagg's former college roommate undoubtedly has All-Star potential just like him, but simply doesn't project to be nearly as dynamic as he is.

Flagg was the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year before the season closed per FanDuel Sportsbook, and Knueppel's duds should only strengthen his odds. If any of the NBA media members voting on these awards who were thinking about voting for Knueppel have any common sense, the stinkers Knueppel put up in these past two games should be enough to sway their vote in the other direction.

Rookie of the Year isn't usually an award that factors team success heavily since players can't choose the situation they are drafted into, but even if one was using the Hornets' success to lean toward Knueppel, their argument completely fell through on Friday night with Charlotte missing the playoffs and Knueppel having a tough shooting night.

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